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. 2025 Jun 20;18(4):1039-1042.
doi: 10.1007/s40653-025-00726-w. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Burns and Beyond: Uncovering a Case of Child Abuse in a 7-Year-Old Girl

Treasa James  1 , Akhilesh Pathak  1
Affiliations

Burns and Beyond: Uncovering a Case of Child Abuse in a 7-Year-Old Girl

Treasa James et al. J Child Adolesc Trauma. .

Abstract

This case study presents a 7-year-old girl who was brought to the emergency department after sustaining superficial burns on the anterior aspect of both legs approximately 8-9 days following a reported fall. The mother claimed the injuries resulted from applying oil and allowing the child to sit near a fireplace for warmth. However, forensic examination revealed parallel superficial burns with intervening normal skin, suggesting the burns were due to a hot cylindrical object rather than accidental injuries. Despite stable vitals and no evidence of infection, the delay in seeking medical care and the inconsistencies in the mother's explanation raised concerns of neglect and potential abuse. Further investigation revealed additional indicators of neglect in the child's home environment, including inadequate food provision and excessive housework responsibilities. This case shows the importance of comprehensive forensic examination and history evaluation in pediatric burn cases, stressing the demand for awareness and intervention in suspected child abuse scenarios.

Keywords: Burns; Child abuse; Child neglect; Non-accidental injuries.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThere is no conflict of interest.

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